Harold Houser

Harold Alexander Houser (March 31, 1897 – September 3, 1981)[1] was a United States Navy Rear admiral, and the 35th Governor of American Samoa from September 10, 1945 to April 22, 1947.

Harold Alexander Houser
35th Governor of American Samoa
In office
September 10, 1945 – April 22, 1947
Preceded bySamuel Canan
Succeeded byVernon Huber
Personal details
BornMarch 31, 1897
Fort Valley, Georgia
DiedSeptember 3, 1981(1981-09-03) (aged 84)
National Naval Medical Center
Resting placeUnited States Naval Academy Cemetery
Spouse(s)Vera Allen Houser
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
OccupationNaval officer
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Rank Rear admiral
CommandsNaval Air Station Key West
Office of Legislative Liaison

Biography
Houser's grave at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.

Houser was born in Fort Valley, Georgia to Emmett and Mary Mathews Houser.[2] Houser attended the Marion Military Institute, graduating in 1916,[3] before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy on May 26, 1917. Houser graduated from the United States Naval Academy in the Class of 1921.[4] During his naval career, he served in numerous posts, including commanding the Naval Air Station Key West and serving as a gunnery officer aboard the USS Omaha.

He was married to Vera Allen Houser.[5]

Houser held posts in Panama, France, and Key West throughout his career.[6] He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy on May 26, 1917 from Georgia,[7] and graduated in 1921.[8] While a Commander, Houser served as the gunnery officer of the USS Omaha (CL-4).[9] As a Captain, Houser commanded the Naval Air Station Key West.[10]

After becoming a Rear admiral, Houser served on the staff of the United States Secretary of Defense.[11] Houser served numerous posts in the Office of Legislative Affairs, including becoming the legislative liaison for the Retired Officers Association.[12] He became the Director of the Office of Legislative Liaison in 1949.[13]

Governorship

Houser became Governor of American Samoa on September 10, 1945.[14] While governor, he served as a representative of the United States Navy at a meeting of the major Pacific powers, including Australia and New Zealand.[15] He ceded the office to Vernon Huber on April 22, 1947.[16]

Houser became a Rear Admiral after leaving the governorship, and served as Director of the Office of Legislative Liaison at the Office of Legislative Affairs

Death

Houser died of natural causes on September 3, 1981 at the National Naval Medical Center.[2] He is interred at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery, along with his wife.[1]

References
  1. "USNA Cemetery Documentation Project" (PDF). United States Naval Academy Cemetery & Crematorium. United States Naval Academy. Summer 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 June 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  2. Sorensen, Stan; Joseph Theroux (2007). "The Samoan Historical Calendar, 1606-2007" (PDF). Government of American Samoa. pp. 78, 244. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 March 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  3. "Marion Military Institute Generals and Admirals" (PDF). Marion, Alabama: Marion Military Institute. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  4. "RADM Harold A. Houser '16: Governor of American Samoa". MMI Foundation. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  5. "Navy Capt. Ernest Hipp, 72, WWII, Vietnam vet Linda Kubany, 44, UMd. football secretary Harvey M. Shields, 44, archaeologist, analyst Vera Allen Houser, 92, widow of rear admiral". The Washington Times. Washington, D.C.: News World Communications. 16 June 1993. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  6. "Norman Chaudet Dies; High School Athletic Director". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: The Washington Post Company. 15 June 1993. pp. C. 09. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  7. Report of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and Reserve Officers on Active Duty. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1920. p. 262. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  8. "City News". Macon Telegraph. Macon, Georgia: Anderson. 18 May 1921. p. 6.
  9. "Americans Reach France in Safety". The New York Times. New York City: The New York Times Company. 27 January 1939. p. 1.
  10. "Commodore Angus Inspects Naval Base". The Miami News. Miami. 9 November 1947. p. 16. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  11. Colbert, Haines (24 December 1942). "Blood Plasma Sold as Army 'Surplus'". The Miami News. Miami. p. 22. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  12. Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report. Washington, D.C.: United States Congress. 13: 1147. 1955. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  13. Official Register of the United States. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1959. pp. 111. Retrieved 4 May 2010. harold A houser.
  14. Sorensen, Stan (19 September 2006). "Historical Notes" (PDF). Tapuitea. Government of American Samoa. I (24): 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  15. "Meeting Planned for Pacific Area". The New York Times. New York City: The New York Times Company. 5 January 1947. p. 32.
  16. "Captain Vernon Huber". Governors. Government of American Samoa. 2010. Archived from the original on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2010.


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